My left front CV boot is starting to throw grease on my 2014 GX at 95K miles. It’s pretty messy and resulting in about 2 nickel size drops on my garage floor each time I park it. Lexus dealership quoted me at $550 to replace just the boot. My reputable independent shop quoted me at $600 to replace the full axle with a new aftermarket model but rated the same. Any advice on which way I should go would be greatly appreciated. I have my fuel pump recall appointment on Tuesday so may just add this to the work order. Thanks!

 

I'd take in a set of cvj axles to the reputable aftermarket shop and let them install with new seals (supply those OEM parts too)... sounds like they're willing to use aftermarket parts so shouldn't be an issue if you supply them, just pay the labor. If the boot isnt torn, the dealer will likely just use a banding tool to reband it and call it good, hoping it wont leak again and send you on your way for maximum profit... rebooting is pointless imo. If the boot is torn just get cvjs. Have you looked at it to see if the band is missing or loose or if the boot is torn?

 

Cardone axles are $70 each or so. You're in for about an hour of labor if that per side. While you're in there, might as well do the output shaft seals on the transmission. $600 seems a bit steep...

 

Thanks for the info and rec! I am going to go with the CVJ axle replacement at the indie shop. Based on the amount of grease and discussion with both dealer and indie shop, I believe the boot is torn. Thanks again!

 

Good info here. I'm going to ask the indie shop for a breakdown of the $600. I know their labor is reasonable so I'm guessing its the upcharge/profit on the part. I'm also going to see if this includes new seals as well.

 

One more question...what is the specific name of the seal? Thanks!

 

https://www.oemvehicleparts.com/v-2014-lexus-gx460--luxury--4-6l-v8-gas/front-drive-axle--axle-shafts-and-joints

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-2nd-gen-2010-present/932290-faq-gx-460-oem-part-numbers.html ( @Acrad good parts for the sticky, didn't see them listed)

 

The output shaft seal typically has a loosely captured spring inside that helps form the seal. It's common for the spring to come out when removing the old axle and once the spring comes out, it is difficult to reset it. The seals are cheap, but are a pain in the butt to install sometimes due to the tolerances. They are usually around $10 a side and good insurance "while you're in there".

 

I used CVJ axles to replace one half shaft on my 4th gen 4runner. IIRC it was $100 for the shaft plus shipping both ways as they have a core charge. Totaled around $200. For another $100 you could have a brand new OEM axle and not worry, one of my local dealers has reasonable prices, could perhaps shop around for lower overall price. Plus if you get ambitious you could boot it for $40 yourself and have an OEM spare if needed. CVJ does good work, and if you're local it's reasonable pricing; just be aware of the total cost involved.

 

 

I recently picked up a 2019 GX460. Mint with 31K miles on it.

I pulled the skid plate off today in order to replace the front dif. and transfer case oil. I noticed what appears to be grease which has been flung from the CV joints in a nice stripe on all parts in its path. Both sides are exactly the same. The boots are in perfect shape, no tears or cracks, as expected for this low mileage. Clamps appear to be in place and just fine as well.

Has anyone noticed this on their GX? Just wondering if this is overgreasing from the factory and it has to go somewhere, or if I need to call the stealership.

The pics are not the best but.....

Thanks.

 

Maybe someone applied a rust preventative like Fluid Film some areas are the colour of FF. If not then don't know what's going on here have not seen a leak quite like that.

 

Its definitely not rust preventive. It wipes right off and is slippery like grease. It’s also in a perfect like as if it was flung right out of the large end of the boot.

 

Check the boots closely, a tear in the 4Runner is very common and often appears at the narrow end of the boot, I am sure it would be the same in the GX.
Use your fingers to feel in all the grooves of the boot. I just discovered the exact same thing on my son's 4Runner over the weekend

 

Thanks. I’ll have to look closely again sometime soon. I’ll report back with findings.